Nematronics: Reciprocal Coupling between Ionic Currents and Nematic Dynamics

Journal Article · 21 April 2023 · Physical Review Letters

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.130.168102 · OSTI ID:2006514

Dao, Chau  ^[1]; Everts, Jeffrey C.  ^[2]; Ravnik, Miha ^[3]; Tserkovnyak, Yaroslav ^[1]

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1. Univ. of California, Los Angeles, CA (United States)
2. Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS), Warsaw (Poland). Institute of Physical Chemistry; Univ. of Warsaw (Poland)
3. Univ. of Ljubljana (Slovenia); Jozef Stefan Inst. (IJS), Ljubljana (Slovenia)

Adopting a spintronics-inspired approach, we study the reciprocal coupling between ionic charge currents and nematic texture dynamics in a uniaxial nematic electrolyte. Assuming quenched fluid dynamics, we develop equations of motion analogously to spin torque and spin pumping. Based on the principle of least dissipation of energy, we derive the adiabatic “nematic torque” exerted by ionic currents on the nematic director field as well as the reciprocal motive force on ions due to the orientational dynamics of the director. We discuss several simple examples that illustrate the potential functionality of this coupling. Furthermore, using our phenomenological framework, we propose a practical means to extract the coupling strength through impedance measurements on a nematic cell. Exploring further applications based on this physics could foster the development of nematronics—nematic iontronics.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California, Los Angeles, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES); USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: SC0012190
• OSTI ID: 2006514
• Alternate ID(s): OSTI ID: 2420167
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Vol. 130, Issue 16; ISSN 0031-9007
• Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English